Oaksterdam University

A 3 day drive + 14 week learning adventure in the cradle of cannabis activism = OaksterDAMN what an experience! I really had ‘high’ hopes for the quality of experience I would have when I signed up to do the Classic and Horticulture Semesters; I’ve been interested in this school for several years since seeing reports about the school, and I can emphatically state that Oaksterdam University exceeded my hopes.
The classes were interesting and informative with lots of great discussion, the teachers were engaging and always willing to answer endless questions, and the staff and interns were friendly and helpful. Thank you to all the instructors, staff and interns for the job you did.
I also really enjoyed the students who were in my classes; I’ve made new friends and connected with a lot of like-​minded people. I can’t wait to hear about their efforts in this new industry.
There’s not much I’m overly sentimental about; normally a training environment is at best still half boring and my interest is in just getting it over with and getting on with applying the knowledge. Certainly I’m extremely enthusiastic about getting on with applying the knowledge, but I’m actually a little bit sad I’m at the end of the semester. If Oaksterdam can have that effect on a person like me then Oaksterdam has to be doing a whole lot right!

Unfortunately a bit sad. I expected much more. The huge sign on Broadway which makes Oaksterdam look like something big sets you up for a major letdown when you walk through the creaking metal doors at The Telegraph Avenue storefront. A receptionist sitting at a tiny little desk buzzes you in and you overhear lecture going on in a room behind a curtain.
The marijuana museum consists of about 5 glass cases containing some memorabilia, if you call it that. In one case there are some, I guess, historical chocolate candies bearing labels similar to some of your more familiar mainstream candies — — Reese’s, Hershey’s, etc.

Oaksterdam university was the foundation to my learning in the cannabis industry, I took both the classic and horticulture semester. They gave me all the tools I needed to grow while attending there classes. Jeff Jones is an incredible instructor and him and his staff are always available to answer questions regarding information from there class or even your personal grow. The staff is ultra friendly and were truly a pleasure to be around.

I took the May 2015 Classic Semester. Staff are lovely folks. As a person close to completing a Master’s Degree (years of higher education), the midterm and final exams are so very poorly written that the tests are actually difficult and horribly time consuming. Questions appear that were not discussed in class. Others are just poorly written and not well connected to their answer choices. On the midterm, a few of answer-​key questions were incorrect so right answers were marked wrong, lowering student grades, and requiring after-​class repairs.
There are TRICK QUESTIONS that are epic fails. Some lectures were repetitive. Absolutely missing from the Classic Semester schedule is time to get to know the large group of classmates and network with them about future goals and opportunities. No individual time to get to know teaching staff and no post-​graduate job support other than written job notices on a bulletin board. The training was decent. I’m happy I attended but the annoying and unfair tests (due to lack of quality control by the test writers) make the program less-​than outstanding.

Earlier this month, (June 2015), I experienced a 4 day crash course in Medical Cannabis Education at Oaksterdam University’s Las Vegas, NV Seminar. I was sad that I couldn’t do the traditional training at the Oaksterdam Campus in California because of work, and I was worried the shorter version would not be enough. I was wrong.
I also had the vision I would be the only «elder» in the group and I was wrong about that too. There was an incredibly diverse room full of people, all ages of adults, many ethnicities, different backgrounds, and all with different reasons for being there. It was a venerable melting pot of humanity, for sure.
My reason to attend was just basically seeking knowledge. I’m a medical cannabis patient in New Mexico, and have been studying the history, politics, medicine and anything else I could get my hands of for a few years. This course not only filled in all the gaps for me, it helped to firmly solidify what I’ve already learned on my own. Winner-​winner, chicken dinner. I currently sit of the board of a Patient Alliance, and also consult people who are entering the canna community for the first time, to guide them on the laws and process in our state. Now I have a better understanding of all aspects of the medical cannabis industry, and feel better prepared to help my canna family and enter the industry in some other aspect should I choose do so in the future.
I wish everyone on our volunteer board could have attended this seminar. Oaksterdam has better prepared me for the future of the cannabis industry, and has solidified both my intent and knowledge to become a better advocate for this mighty fine plant.
The only thing I really missed was more information about the current realities in the world of cannabis testing. That would have been the icing on the brownie for me. Non the less, this course is fast, intense, fun, entertaining and full of the knowledge anyone would need to enter the cannabis business. These people are serious about cannabis education and the instructors were very, very knowledgable professionals in the Cannabis Industry. There was a lot of information relating to California, (because that’s where they are based), and Nevada, (the host state about to implement their new medical cannabis program), but no worries… there is PLENTY of universal information to be had.
Thanks Oaksterdam, thank you wonderful staff, and thank you to all the Oaksterdam volunteers that helped to pull off a fabulous four days in Vegas. Thank you also for introducing me to my new canna friends. I WILL do this again in the future, as a refresher! And after I retire I’ll consider taking the full monte in Oakland.

I attended the 4 day «full semester» course in Las Vegas just over a week ago. I must admit, I went into it having a fully formed preconception about the types of students I would share class with, even some misgivings about the «tone» of the University. But I want to learn about canna-​business, and this is THE school, right?
I could not have been more wrong about the student body. I sat next to a vascular surgeon and another brilliant businessman, adjacent to innovative social workers and inspired bakers. Family business folks looking to make an industry change and even people whom I suspect may have been in this business for a long time but want to make sure they operate as legally as possible in this impossible regulatory & criminal climate. I was really shocked that «Bill & Ted» were nowhere to be found!
The instructors and the leadership of this school take it very seriously, and they could not be better ambassadors for this plant and this industry. Well spoken, knowledgeable and passionate, they create converts (Dale Sky Jones called us «gladiators») with each new class they graduate. the quality of instruction is, in my opinion, what impressed me most about the courses. That, and the quality of networking and social interaction with the other students.
I had a job interview with a local canna-​business right after completing this course. I was so much more prepared and knowledgeable going into the interview, and the business owner was totally impressed that I attended this training. I don’t know if I have the job yet, but the course seems like it will pay for itself in the first year, in both opportunities and setting me up for success as I begin working in this industry.
Overall, highly recommended.

Oaksterdam University has an excellent horticultural semester, where vast topics are covered for cultivating marijuana. The 14 week Horticulture Semester takes on a hands-​on approach, as well as the traditional lecture covering plenty of information. If you have interest in learning cannabis cultivation techniques to maximize your gardens yield then Oaksterdam University is the place for you!

Best cultivation school around. Teachers are very knowledgeable, highly recommended.

I’m presently a student at Oaksterdam University attending the 14 week classic and horticulture semesters simultaneously. Having the opportunity to be involved with an institution so dedicated to advocating and the legalization effort has, so far, been wonderful. Despite the fact that the DEA hates cannabis and it’s not federally recognized as legal, Oaksterdam University manages to teach with the utmost professionalism and transparency, being totally honest about all facets of the industry that the curriculum covers. The horticulture program has offered amazing knowledge from instructors that have had very real success and seem to be filled with an endless wealth of information that they very readily share. All of the facilitators have been helpful, sweet and supportive. Oaksterdam is doing some incredible things and I’m very happy to be a part of the student population here.

The staff and instructors at Oaksterdam are very friendly, helpful and knowledgable.
Basic & Advanced Seminars– Great for people with little to no cannabis knowledge. Lots of useful legal information, pertaining mostly to CA residents. Curriculum is thoughtfully set up to cover a lot of introductory level information.
Basic & Advanced Indoor Horticulture Seminars– Take both in succession. Joey Ereneta and Jeff Jones are both great instructors with a lot of experience. The seminars start out covering the basic and get more in depth toward the end. Experienced growers might find the information a bit rudimentary but Oaksterdam does a fine job covering the basics that would appeal to the majority of students. Take the courses, read Ed’s Marijuana Grower’s Handbook and all that’s left is gaining hands-​on experience.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oaksterdam. Pick a course that interests you and take it. You won’t regret it.

Some of the nicest people on the planet are right here. Intelligent too, otherwise they wouldn’t be in this — cuz it’s not about the money. It’s about educating people and arming them with the knowledge to not fall face first in the industry (the information received here, and then applied, will be the padding). The speakers were all so passionate that you almost don’t even know what angle you wanna get involved in! I loved every minute of every class and even outside of class was a treat. The café next door had a lady –worker who was so nice sometimes I thought I could cry. People aren’t like that where I’m from, and meeting the people I did in this short time was beyond inspiring. When I leave the class, not only am i super tired from all the information absorption, but my chest is burning with passion and readiness to show my friends and family what I’ve learned; But then I step back and remember, I need to get all of my facts in a representable order — all the info can be overwhelming, but one paragraph at a time is all it takes to gather even the most stubborn person’s attention. I could go on, but at this point I’d say of you haven’t gone here yet out of curiosity, give it a try and talk to literally ANYONE on site and they’ll be one of the nicest people you’ve met (there’s a bit of a learning curve to people’s personalities, but it’s smooth sailing from there.) ¹⁰⁄₁₀ experience here.

Are you looking for a new job or profession? Oaksterdam University will teach you skills, help you make connections, and open your mind and heart to the truth about cannabis and the greatest civil rights issue of our time. Yes, LGBT people have won great victories in recent times, but those who medicate with cannabis continue to be persecuted and discriminated against. If you want to change the world, or just change your own life, or just learn everything you can about cannabis, Oaksterdam University will give you the means.
I cannot list all of my favorite teachers. The lawyers, of course, were spectacular. Robert Raich, James J. Clark, and Kali S. Grech taught the legal issues around cannabis in a way that made it easy for people to understand and protect themselves.
Chris Conrad, Jeff Jones, Chad Gilmore, Paul Armentano, Sandy Moriarty, Dave McKullick, and all the other teachers also had the expertise and gravitas to teach this important subject.
I took the weekend Basic plus Advanced Course over 4 days. It is a program that will give anyone a foundation in this industry and an understanding of this very significant civil rights issue.
I highly recommend this program to anyone who is passionate about cannabis.

Oaksterdamn University was my favorite schools from kindergarten until now. I loved it so much I went back for the second course and now feel ready to go out on the job field or just the field and be great at whatever I do. The staff always has a upbeat attitude. Amanda is always there to greet me with a smile and give me any helpful tips. Sky, the owner, is a wonderful woman and shows her passion every time she walks in the class. The instructors care that you are learning and always offer their email in case any questions come up. If you choose to attend any of the classes, get ready to walk into any room (or field:) and feel confident to get the job done! Thank you Oaksterdam for all your help and support. What a great team!

Oaksterdam is awesome! I’ve always wanted to get involved in The Cannabis movement, but had no idea how. So i gave Oaksterdam a shot, and i’m glad i did. The entire staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful. The courses are well taught, and very informative. After graduating from Oaksterdam. I feel well rounded, and confident to work in the Cannabis Industry. I now own, and operate my own business in the Cannabis Industry. I highly recommend Oaksterdam for anyone who is serious about getting involved in the Industry, or if you just want to learn more about the cannabis. The politics, law, cultivating, cooking, extraction classes are top notch, and are second to none. Attending Oaksterdam, was one of the smartest moves I’ve made. I recommend Oaksterdam to everyone.

Let me start off by saying I am not a user of marijuana, I don’t have a bong, don’t roll or smoke them blunts but yes I went to Oaksterdamn University.
How did this happen? Man it was my dad’s doing, yea you read that right, he said hey I need to go run an errand, you up to tagging along? I said sure let’s roll. Since Prop 215 was passed in 96 and he got his little official pot totting card, this has been his spot & he is as happy as a fat kid with cake.
Oaksterdamn is an interesting place, you can take classes and learn about pot, but you can also hit up the school campus (?) and buy supplies, which is what he did.
Never thought this was something I would do with my pops, but I guess I can now check off score pot with a parent off my bucket list haha.

Oaksterdam, I mean the name says it all… I do not think you can be in the Medical Cannabis industry without first attending Oaksterdam classes. Not only were the instructors EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE but they were also very down to earth in answering any questions we had throughout the sessions. There is no doubt in my mind that anyone leaving a course at Oaksterdam will not be about to create a lasting effect working in Medical Cannabis.
Amanda, Huxley, and Chad were so so so helpful in shedding some light on any issues or concerns I had throughout my course. You guys ROCK! I WILL BE BACK!

I took the 4 day basic seminar intensive recently and am very happy about my experience and it was well worth the money. I am new to the medical marijuana conversation so it was a crash course in all different aspects of the industry. Through this class I am convinced that by participating in this industry I can use my skills to contribute to people’s quality of life, live a happy life myself, and support a cause I believe in.

I have an endless amount of great things to say about OU and the people that operate the school and facilitate class. Beginning with the enrollment process, Huxley and Amanda were both extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. Big thank you to both Huxley and Amanda for all of your help and kindness throughout the entire process. You are both awesome! The other staff was also very helpful and kind.
The MOST important feedback I can share is regarding the content of the classes and overall learning experience I had. In other words, did I feel like I got my monies worth? The answer is overwhelmingly yes. We covered an extreme amount of information, much of which was taught by very accomplished and notable people in the industry. At times, I was very impressed with the notable dedication and accomplishments of much of the faculty; legal and civics focused, history and medical application, business and operations, and much more. The large majority of the faculty that presented are clearly experts in their subject matter and are highly professional (no pun intended), touting many years of hands on experience. There are a few things that I would like to understand in more depth, but there is no way you can possibly cover everything. Plus, the staff and faculty are very open to speaking with you after class or possibly at an off-​site meeting if it makes sense.
Overall I am extremely grateful to have been able to do this for myself. It is hugely valuable assuming this is a subject or business that you are interested in. The networking was very worthwhile as well. Not to mention… you happen to be in San Fran (more or less), and it’s amazing out here.
Hope this was helpful. Thank you very much OU!
Can’t wait to come see you guys in the future!

I love this university. I’ve been wanting to attend now for a year or so. Every time I visit SF I make it a point to go walk around. This is what the United States needs to see about marijuana. This university could change the minds of many politicians that are anti-​weed. I personally don’t smoke myself, but I would love to become a caretaker someday. That’s where the money is at these days. When I went to take a tour, the staff was super helpful and gave me lots of information on the school.
Go support their giftshop down the street while you’re there, all proceeds go towards the school.

I ran past the famous Oaksterdam University on my 5K route during the Smokeland, I mean Oakland 2012 Running Festival this morning.
I’m definitely not a marijuana, weed, blunt smoking person but if the United States has a university that teaches about the history, politics, laws, cultivation, culinary methods and medical implications associated with marijuana use it might as well be in our own Smokeland, California… woops, I mean Oakland, California.
Awesome artwork on the building walls!